I recently purchased (new) a Taurus Model 94 DA .22LR revolver for use in Basic Handgun classes. These guns come from the factory with round-butt, "carry" grips. Since I have no intention of carrying it, I would prefer to mount square butt grips, if I can find some that aren't expensive. But ... I don't know what other models (if any) share the same frame, so I don't know what will fit.

The gun as shipped looks like this:

I'd like to find some grips that will convert it to something more like this:

Material isn't important. I love wood, but rubber or plastic would be acceptable. I'm more interested in just getting the square butt shape. And price IS an object -- I am retired and I can't justify (even to myself, let alone to SWMBO) spending almost as much on a pair of grips as the gun cost.

How close are Taurus small frames to S&W -- and which S&W? I don't mind doing a bit of minor carving or filling with plastic wood, but I'm not skilled enough with wood to basically do a custom makeover.

To answer your question, the S&W J frames (Models 36, 37, 38, 60, 34, etc) are closest to your frame. I got ahold of small frame Taurus like yours and some square butt J frame grips to check. You will have to drill new stud holes as yours are toward the front and the S&W's are in the middle. You will also need to apply some filler but not as much as for K/L frame square butt grips (K Models 10, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 64, 67, 66, etc. L Models 581, 586, 681, 686).

I mention the K/L frames because used grips for them may be easier/cheaper to get. You could even use N frame grips, but that requires more filler.

In either case be sure to avoid the thin "service" grips because you've indicated you don't want those. Also keep in mind you want to avoid round butt grips for any of those frames unless you happen to run into a pair made for round butt J frames with an outside square butt configuration. Pachmayr used to make some rubber grips like that and they still make some with finger grooves.

Remember if you use a filler such as bedding compound or epoxy, you will need a release agent on the frame before applying the filler. Brownells sells both Acraglas and release agent. Keep in mind some fillers such as Acraglas may migrate while you're waiting for it to cure with a grip on frame. Don't skimp on release agent coverage.

If you're really being economical, at least four coats of paste wax everwhere on the frame the filler might touch or migrate to, should suffice. Buff well EACH coat before the next.